CGW Masterplan Review Final Sept11.indd - City of Greater Geelong

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This document updates the Waterfront Geelong Design and Development
Code 1996 (the Code), a master plan document prepared by Keys Young in
conjunction with the City of Greater Geelong.
The Code laid the groundwork for the development that occurred on the
waterfront from 2000 until 2010. During that time most of the key sites were
developed and many of the improvements to the public realm foreshadowed
in the Code were completed. It is timely to refl ect on past achievements and
remaining opportunities. Following public realm improvements that generally
occured from 1996 to 2000, the precinct experienced rapid growth with the
development of privately owned sites from 2000 to 2010. There are a few
development sites still available, as well as various proposals for further
waterfront infrastructure. This review aims to canvass some of the remaining
development options in the context of the original Code’s design principles
and offers an analysis of the changes that fl owed from them.
In addition to the immediate waterfront area, the Code encompassed a small
part of the central Geelong retail precinct. This review will narrow its scope
by concentrating on the waterfront between Rippleside Park and Limeburners
Point. Work subsequent to the Code has seen the production of various
planning documents that specifi cally cover development in the Central
Activities Area and the inner western area of the city. These include:
• Geelong Western Wedge Framework - 2005
• Central Geelong: Looking Forward Structure Plan - 2007
• Central Geelong Urban Design Guidelines - 2008
This review of the Waterfront Geelong Master Plan is premised upon Council's
view that the central waterfront will continue to be managed and developed
as a dynamic recreation destination for residents and visitors. The western
and eastern precincts of Corio Bay will continue to be locally focused offering
quieter passive areas, attractive parkland and waterfront spaces, trails and
landscapes.
The Central Geelong Waterfront Master Plan 2011 is intended to be appended
as a reference document to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme. It will be
referred to by:
• Council offi cers and their consultants when dealing with applications to
develop waterfront property including public spaces;
• Council offi cers and their consultants when modifying or managing
existing public spaces along the waterfront;
• Developers and their consultants and business operators when
considering a development or business proposal.
The redevelopment of the Geelong waterfront in the 1990s from an industrial
and maritime precinct into one of Australia's most vibrant recreational and
tourism waterfront sites, has become the cornerstone of the city's economic
revitalisation and a great source of community pride.
In 1994, the State Government and the City of Greater Geelong funded a
$30 million redevelopment of the Geelong waterfront. The project, completed
in 2000, has been the catalyst for approximately $350 million in private
investment to date. A further $150 million in private investment is anticipated
by the end of 2012.
Set in a new urban landscape based on the city's maritime history and a
contemporary urban culture, the waterfront is the setting for a range of
restaurants, cafes, hotels, museums and public artworks. Opportunities
to enjoy the outdoors include sites such as the Geelong Botanic Gardens,
a range of public open spaces, the Baywalk along Corio Bay, pools and
playgrounds as well as countless events and water-based activities.
The waterfront has become the reason why local people to stay in their
own backyard on weekends and holidays, and also the motivating factor for
thousands of visitors who journey to Geelong each year. Waterfront Geelong
has assumed iconic status in the marketing of the city and now attracts
and plays host to a range of local, national and international events. The
waterfront has now proven its potential to generate business investment and
boost tourim expenditure in the region. Visitor numbers have grown to 1.7
million annually and the precinct is now the setting for over 50 public events
each year.
The City of Greater Geelong is responsible for much of the urban foreshore
area as well as adjacent areas of public open space. In accordance with
the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, the Department of Sustainability and
Environment has delegated the management of waterfront Crown land to the
City of Greater Geelong.
The Geelong Lands (Steampacket Place) Act 1996 also allows for Crown land
in the precinct be capable of being leased for longer periods and for different
purposes from those set out in the Land Act 1958 and the Crown Land
(Reserves) Act 1978.
Additionally the City administers the the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme
and is owner and manager of other public coastal land and facilities including
roads, boat ramps and drainage infrastructure.
Given the high level of use and the harsh nature of the coastal setting, the
infrastructure, buildings, fi xtures and landscapes along the waterfront area
need to be robust and well maintained.
The City of Greater Geelong is committed to the continual improvement of Waterfront Geelong.
This document seeks to guide that process in the interests of the people of Geelong.
CENTRAL GEELONG WATERFRONT MASTERPLAN 2011
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Urban Initiatives